Abstract: A fixed permeable breakwater which also serves as a wave power generating device is provided and includes a structure, a structure fixing device and a wave-activated generator set, the structure is connected with a seabed through the structure fixing device, holes are arranged on an outer side of upper arc vertical walls of the structure, and spiral vane sets are placed in the holes; a spiral-gear generator is installed on the horizontal bearing plate, and waves push the spiral vane sets to rotate, and then push the spiral-gear generator to generate electricity.

Abstract: The modular sea wall forms a sea wall constructed from two different blocking bodies: a front blocking body and a rear blocking body. The front blocking body is located seaward and the rear blocking body is located shoreward. The front blocking body provides a front wall that curves upward to the uppermost surface of the front blocking body. The front blocking body attaches to the rear blocking body at the top of the curve. The rear blocking body provides a rear wall that attaches to the front blocking body. The rear wall may be a vertical wall that extends vertically downward without curving or a curved wall that curves downwards from the attachment point to the rear end of the rear attachment body. The front wall and rear wall may provide openings that allow water to flow through the front wall and the rear wall.

Abstract: Proposed is a wave-dissipating block including: a body placed on a seabed perpendicularly thereto and having a shape of a polygonal column, a cylinder, an oval column, or a cross-shaped column; male coupling protrusions formed on a first surface of the body in a height direction thereof and on a surface opposite to the first surface, respectively; female coupling grooves formed in a second surface of the body in the height direction thereof and in a surface opposite to the second surface, respectively; a habitat part configured as a space defined at a center portion of the body or a portion of the body; a dividing plate provided as a plate dividing the habitat part into habitat parts; a through hole formed in the dividing plate; and a space part having a space defined between multiple bodies of wave-dissipating blocks connected adjacently to each other.

Abstract: A system is provided for diverting water at a shoreline to prevent erosion. The smart breakwall diversion system provides a resilient design that uses incoming water-flow to reduce the impact of wave action on a shoreline. Features of the system include openings and diverters that absorb and redirect the flow of wave forces. A laser-cut pattern on a steel cover of the front of the system can be artist-designed and act as protection against floating debris, as well as prevent fish and other aquatic life from entering. A step diverter design reduces velocity of incoming water and redirects it back towards the body of water in a controlled manner. The smart breakwall diversion system decreases the impact of wave energy on immediate and surrounding waterfront property.

Abstract: A substantially pyramid-shaped wave diverter (1) having circular-shaped ports (6). A system of wave diverters (14) may be placed in an ocean (16) side-by-side off a shoreline (17) and under the surface of water. The system of multiple wave diverters each have circular ports (6) located on each side, some of which may vary in size. The system of wave diverters divert the flow of sand toward the beach (18) and prevents further erosion from the beach.

Abstract: Disclosed are wave dissipation systems, modular units for use in wave dissipation systems and methods of constructing the same. Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to the construction of breakwater systems using a plurality of modular elements which can be interlocked to form an elongated breakwall. Each module unit includes a base unit and a lid element. The base unit has a bottom wall, a rear wall, laterally opposed side walls and a front wall which in combination define an energy dissipation chamber. The lid element covers the energy dissipation chamber of the base unit and is disposed on top of the base unit at angle with respect to the bottom wall.

Abstract: A building element for coupling with other building elements to erect a retaining wall. Optionally, the building element can have a modular construction. The building element can have a face panel and a beam member that extends substantially perpendicularly relative to the face panel. The building elements can have a variety of different configurations, providing flexibility in the design of retaining walls. Optionally, each building element can define alignment voids that receive portions of alignment posts for ensuring vertical alignment between adjacent building elements or portions of building elements.

Abstract: A beach erosion mitigation device is provided that includes an elongated, tubular member configured to be tethered to the shoreline and attenuate wave energy. The tubular member comprises a corrugated construction having enclosed air pockets that afford buoyancy. The ends of the tubular member are open, while along its length are disposed a set of overflow openings and a set of venturi openings. The venturi openings receive incoming water from the breaking wave and direct it axially along the interior of the tubular member. The overflow openings and the open ends allow water to escape prior to the next wave arrival. The device is placed alone, or in groups, along a shorefront to directly receive the energy of breaking waves. The energy thereof is attenuated by the structure of the device and via its redirection therethrough, thereby combating beach erosion caused by storm swells and high energy waves.

Abstract: A barrier system and a method for dissipating energy in a body of fluid provides one or more barrier units each having an outer wall that defines a hollow inner chamber. Each barrier unit has a lower aperture and an upper aperture so fluid can flow in and out of the hollow inner chamber. Upward movement of fluid within the inner chamber is deflected inwardly and energy of the fluid is dissipated. The buoyancy of the barrier unit is controlled by a control system. Multiple barrier units can be used together to dissipate energy within a body of water over a large area. The barrier units can be easily assembled and deployed into a body of water. Where the barrier system is used in an ocean or another large body of water, the barrier units may be deployed from a ship, and may be anchored to the seafloor.

Abstract: A device for dispersing wave energy is provided with a series of surfaces for redirection of approaching waves. The device has curved major surfaces that extend from the top to the bottom, each of the surfaces has stacked scallops that are angled downward to direct approaching waves downward. The curved major surfaces direct wave energy to become more parallel to a shore.

Abstract: A modular wave-break includes a wall, a tapered base attached to the wall, and an anchor attached to the base. The wall includes a set of dissipating holes integrally formed in the wall and a set of passage holes integrally formed in the wall. A set of eyebolts are connected to the wall. Reinforcing structural rods are embedded in the wall, the tapered base, and the anchor to provide strength. Mounting holes in the tapered base enable the modular wave-break to be secured to a water bottom surface. Multiple modular wave-breaks may be interconnected to form a single wave-break.

Abstract: A transportable wave suppressor and sediment collection (WSSC) system positionable in deep water along a coastline of a body of water, having a plurality of sections, each section further including a base portion having an upper floor portion, a forward wall, rear wall and two sidewalls and an open bottom end portion for being positioned on a floor of the body of water; at least a pair of raised elongated members positioned on the upper surface of the upper floor of the base; an upper portion to be secured to the base portion, the upper section having a angulated front wall to receive the flow of water through a plurality of flow pipes as the water engages each section; at least a pair of elongated openings in the upper portion for receiving the raised elongated members positioned on the upper surface of the upper wall of the base to define a means for securing the base to the upper portion.

Abstract: This portable self adjusting modular levee system is ideal for protecting Nuclear Reactors, Cities close to sea level and adjacent to rivers of high and unpredictable cresting. The system consists of a base channel and a floater section fabricated or otherwise made with material such as steel, fiber, Aluminum or resin, harnesses the hydro-static pressure of the water, stabilizing the base and extending the floater assembly vertically to create adjustable levee of desired height in order to reach maximum cresting. Each modular unit is attached in a linear fashion to a complimentary unit at certain angle or straight at site in order to create a continuous sealed variable levee system of any desired length and configuration along river banks, high cresting and potential body of water. During normal conditions this levee system call be used as a road along such bank.

Abstract: A system and method to provide water and sediment flow through a rock jetty, which includes a plurality of collection components mounted along a forward face of the rock jetty, each collection component having a plurality of flow pipes to receive water carrying sediment; a principal flow pipe to receive flow from the plurality of flow pipes and to carry water and sediment a predetermined distance to deposit at the rear of the jetty; a continuous trough mounted on the jetty forward face to efficiently capture water and sediment at entrances of the plurality of flow pipes; and a filter screen covering the entrance of the trough to allow water and sediment to flow into the trough and to prevent large rocks and other debris from entering. Sections of principal flow pipe may be removed when sufficient quantity of sediment has been deposited, so that additional sediment can be deposited.

Abstract: An erosion control wall system is provided and methods of making it that protect a bank, beach or bluff from soil/sand erosion. The erosion control system includes a plurality of wall members, each formed to have a front face that dissipates and deflects the energy from oncoming waves and a rear face with a stabilizing member extending therefrom for securing the wall member in position along a bank or bluff, or in the water adjacent to a bank, bluff or beach for example. The wall sections are self-stabilizing by action of sand, gravel and/or stone flowing over the wall section and anchoring the stabilizing member. The erosion control wall sections may be constructed on-site using slip form construction methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a breakwater, particularly, to a prefabricated breakwater which is assembled in a stepped manner, having the improvements in the construction workability and prevention of the marine pollution due to the permeability of ocean currents together with the original wave dissipation function for the protection of ships or all kinds of the establishments in the harbor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water movement device comprising a flexible wall (1) placed in water close to the surface, substantially vertically in a static rest state, made up of optionally perforated (5) massive unit blocks (4) assembled to one another in strings by cables (2, 3) on which said blocks (1) are threaded or on which said blocks are crimped, said cables comprising: a series of cables (2) disposed vertically (ZZ?) side by side, parallel to one another, and a second series of cables (3) disposed horizontally (XX?) one above another and in parallel, and said vertical cables (2) being suspended or tensioned at their top ends and/or respectively tensioned or moored at their bottom ends, and said blocks including empty orifices (5) passing through them between the front and rear faces (1-1, 1-2) of said wall (1), and/or empty spaces (7) between said blocks, such that said orifices (5) and/or empty spaces between said blocks (7), if any, confer overall porosity on said wall lying in the range 5%

Abstract: A filter assembly for a seawall filters the flow of groundwater through a hole in the wall. The filter assembly includes: (a) a housing containing a flat flange and a perforated conical shell, the shell adapted to extend into the hole with its apex extending toward the landward side, the flange having a seaward side adapted to fit flushly against the seawall, the flange having a landward side connected to the shell, the flange having an opening that defines an open base for the shell; (b) a perforated conical cage having an open base that fits within the shell of the housing; (c) a conical filter element having an open base that fits within the cage; (d) a perforated conical sleeve having an open base that fits within the filter element; and (e) a perforated cap that is removably and flushly fastened to the opening in the flange to secure the cage, filter element, and sleeve within the shell of the housing.

Abstract: A wave attenuator structure for dissipation of wave energy of a body of water is described. The structure preferably is equipped with a substantially horizontal base, a foot extending substantially vertically downward from the base, and a wall extending substantially vertically upward from the base. The wall forms a water-facing face, which face slopes in the direction of the body of water. The wall and the base define a plurality of channels sized and configured to receive one or more respective anchor devices for anchoring the wave attenuator structure in soil.

Abstract: Swell attenuating device comprising a horizontal plate slightly immersed in the incident sea swell, this plate being held in position under the free surface of the water and presenting perpendicular upstream (12) and downstream (14) edges raised to a positive dimension above the free surface of the water, so that the incident sea swell cannot propagate freely over the plate, each of the upstream and downstream edges being extended at their base by a tab-shaped element (12A, 14A) of the same specific length, the assembly thus forming a symmetrically profiled structure in the form of a so-called “camel's back”, device wherein one at least of the two elements formed by the perpendicular upstream edge and the plate part, or raft (10A), laid between the upstream and downstream edges comprises orifices (20) over part of its surface.

Abstract: In various embodiments, panel forms can be used to control erosion or retain dirt walls. Each panel form can be comprised of a substantially rigid body that is adapted to be mounted to the ground and can include connectors configured to receive mounts which mount the panel form to the ground. A plurality of panel forms can be used to form a fence, or a retaining wall, where the connectors extending from each panel form can be configured to mate and connect the panel forms together. In various embodiments, the mounts can be inserted through apertures in the mating connectors to provide a pivot about which the adjacent panel forms may be hingedly connected. In various embodiments, each panel form may include a tab extending therefrom which is configured to be received in a corresponding slot in the adjacent panel to reduce, or even eliminate, gaps between adjacent panel forms.

Abstract: A construction element for making retaining walls and erosion control structures comprises a plurality of sandbags connected together by means of a cord. The bags have flexible walls and holes through which the cord extends. The holes can be in various positions on the bags, and various spacings of the bags on the cord can be used. The construction elements can be used to form retaining walls, structures for protecting underwater shoreline areas from erosion, and other structures in the civil engineering field.

Abstract: Blocks 20 interlock at cutouts 24 to form a row of blocks. Waves with wave crests 44 propagate in the direction of arrow A towards the blocks. When the waves impact the row of blocks 20, the alternating peaks and troughs formed by the edges 22, facets and steps of blocks 20 cause reflection of the waves from a plurality of point sources such that the reflected waves have circular wave fronts 46. The wave interference of the circular wave fronts 46 in the regions shown by reference numeral 48 results in a phenomenon known as near field diffraction. Circular wave fronts 46 also interfere with waves 44. This reduces the wave intensity impacting the blocks.

Abstract: Waves are amplified by a gradual decrease in depth, and when the waves reach a vertical wall 10 of a reef 2, breaking waves are generated by sudden decrease of the water depth. As the breaking waves rush into the upper portion of the reef 2 and pass through the slant slits 14, wave energy is absorbed by the reef 2 and the seat water returns back to the ocean through an opening 11. The sand brought into a reef 2 with the waves are washed away by the return flow 11 so that the sand is not deposited within the reef 2 and the space in the reef 2 is always clear. The return flow promotes generation of the breaking waves. The breaking waves are introduced into the slits, beach erosion is prevented, and a calm sea area utilized for marine leisure is created. The seawater in the reef, with sufficient air, flows to the sea area behind the breakwater through the paths 19.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for building a reinforced sea wall or levee. The reinforced structure is designed particularly for use in areas of soft sub-soil such as those sub-soils found near the Gulf of Mexico which are capable of bearing loads of less than 5 pounds per square inch of weight. The structure includes first and second rows of soil-cement columns formed on opposite sides of the centerline of the structure. Soil-cement columns are formed by mechanically cutting the soft sub-soil and simultaneously hydraulically mixing the cut soft soil with a cement slurry injected at velocities of 200 feet per second or more. Reinforcing structural elements, preferably H-beams, are embedded in at least some of the soil-cement columns in each of the two rows. Tensile load bearing members, such as cables or beams, are interconnected between some of the reinforcing structural elements in the first row of soil-cement columns with some of the structural elements in the second row of soil-cement columns.

Abstract: A sectionalized flood control barrier (10) for mounting on top of a levee or a river bank to prevent flooding. The barrier (10) consists of a footing (20) with a series of support channels (24) that are butted end to end attached to the footing. The support shells are sealed watertight at the interface with each other and also to the footing. A series of primary channel bridge assemblies (32) and secondary channel assemblies (46) are disposed within the support channels (24) and are also butted end to end. Wind protectors (60) contiguously engage each support channel (24) and rest upon the footing for diverting the wind over the barrier. Stepped fastening risers (62) are attached to the footing on each end and over the channel assemblies, and wind protectors hold them securely in place.

Abstract: A method for making an embankment in areas and forming a barrier against water with the help of supports. For this purpose, corrugated steel sheets or corrugated panels of some other material, such as plastic or aluminum, are folded across their longitudinal direction along perforations in the sheets so that sections of the sheet extend at an angle to one another, and the aforementioned folded formed barrier supports are caused to be positioned on a supporting surface so that a folded section of each sheet forms a barrier support (16) that faces towards the intended damming area. The barrier support is formed laterally by a number of mutually overlapping folded corrugated sheets. An arrangement for the execution of the method.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an underwater building unit and its installation and application methods. It includes a caisson with both ends open and is composed of two rows of box boards being not intersected with each other. Each row of box boards consists of a set of stake-plate body combinations and the bind members between every two adjacent stake-plate body combinations. A positioning beam is located on the top of the box boards and connects the two box boards. There is a cross rib at the middle part of the outer surface of each bind member. The open caisson is made up of small components of low weight. So it is easy for installation and could be extended unlimitedly as required. In addition, the underwater building unit has low underwater condition requirement and is relatively stable, thus the underwater building is quite firm and has a long life. Each component of the open caisson can be industrially manufactured on land so as to lower the cost and free of the influence of stormy waves.

Abstract: Apparatus for maintaining a seawall disposed between a body of water and retained earth includes at least two anchoring devices installed on the seawall at spaced locations and a connecting member for rigidly interconnecting the anchoring devices to maintain the separation distance therebetween. The connecting member may have a fixed length or may be adjustable in length to adjust the separation distance between the anchoring devices. A method of maintaining a seawall involves forming a passage through the seawall from a water facing side to an earth facing side of the seawall, inserting an anchoring member in the passage, advancing the anchoring member into the retained earth to anchor an anchor of the anchoring member in the retained earth, and securing a retaining member on the anchoring member along the water facing side of the seawall to apply compressive force against the seawall.

Abstract: A system of composite panels comprised of resin impregnated carbon fiber sheets, on opposing sides of a fiberglass core, having structural values directly related to the thickness of the core and the amount of carbon fiber incorporated, to be used in marine conditions to resist scour or erosion while retaining soil materials behind the panel and resisting hydrostatic loads. Each panel will have high-density polyethylene (HDPE) interlocks on opposite edges allowing the panels to slide together allowing a series of joined panels to form a continuous wall. Additionally the preformed HDPE interlocks may be field-installed and removed allowing the carbon fiber panels to be cut to a specific dimension as necessary.

Abstract: A system of composite panels comprised of resin impregnated carbon fiber sheets, on opposing sides of a fiberglass core, having structural values directly related to the thickness of the core and the amount of carbon fiber incorporated, to be used in marine conditions to resist scour or erosion while retaining soil materials behind the panel and resisting hydrostatic loads. Each panel will have high-density polyethylene (HDPE) interlocks on opposite edges allowing the panels to slide together allowing a series of joined panels to form a continuous wall. Additionally the preformed HDPE interlocks may be field-installed and removed allowing the carbon fiber panels to be cut to a specific dimension as necessary.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel floating wave attenuator. More particularly, this invention pertains to a novel design of floating wave attenuator which has a curved vertical wave alternating wall section, a bottom vertical motion braking flange, and an air chamber for adjusting buoyancy. A floating wave attenuator comprising: (a) a wall having an exterior surface and an interior surface; (b) a flange associated with the wall and extending from at least one of the exterior surface and the interior surface of the wall; and (c) an air chamber in the interior of the wall, the air chamber being filled with air to adjust the buoyancy of the attenuator.

Abstract: A gravity-type quay wall comprising a rubble base stage (3) extending from the sea bottom. A lower part (1a) is constructed on the rubble base stage (3) by stacking cell block units (4) wherein each of the cell block units (4) have four walls defining a vacant space therein for filling with rubble (5). Two of the walls of the cell block units (4) are side walls (6,6a), each having one of a female key (13) or a male key (14) for mating with adjacent cell block units (4). In an upper part of a top staged cell block unit (4a) is a depressed portion (7). An L-shaped shelf-style middle part (1b) is settled on a top surface of the rubble (5) of the lower part (1a) wherein the rubble (5) is filled halfway in the depressed portion (7). An upper part (1c) is settled on the middle part (1b) with the same length and width thereof.

Abstract: A flood fence wherein a plurality of deflectors or sections are placed end to end and into the soil in upright positions. The sections have a saw tooth bottom edge and downwardly extending uprights that engage within a soil substrate to thereby protect the soil on one side of the fence from water flow against the other side. The areas of joining between adjacent sections also include a support and secondary barriers to minimize seepage therepast as well as to assure that the sections remain engaged.

Abstract: A portable seawall system is designed to upwardly extend an existing seawall. The system includes a base bracket designed to attach to the upper edge of the existing seawall. A wall section extends upwardly from the existing seawall. Multiple triangular brace assemblies each extend above and below the base bracket and engage the wall section and the existing seawall. A membrane seals the wall section to the existing seawall. The membrane is interconnected with the wall section and with the existing seawall. Multiple wall sections may be joined end to end to form a continuous seawall.

Abstract: A system and process are provided for repairing a sea wall and precluding erosion drainage from occurring on the landward side of the sea wall when a filter material provided at a plurality of weep holes in the wall and at expansion and contraction gaps between wall elements degenerates. The system of invention includes a pipe-like conduit, open at both of its ends; a cap-like protective structure that is insertable over an end of said conduit; a filter assembly comprised of a sleeve-like enclosure and a filter which is situated within said sleeve-like enclosure; and an a rod-like implement insertable within said pipe-like conduit and engageable with said sleeve-like enclosure.

Abstract: An integral concrete body for erosion control includes three separate sections of differing configuration. The sections include a lower tapered section that is in the form of an elongated tapered pile-like member. The upper section of the concrete body is generally rectangular. A transitional section that is also tapered forms a connection between the upper and lower portions of the concrete body. The plurality of the concrete bodies can be installed side by side with tongue and groove connections interlocking the bodies upon assembly. A plurality of the concrete bodies can be placed side by side to form a bulkhead or breakwater. In one embodiment, each concrete body can be comprised of separate connectable members. Anchors can be used to support the concrete bodies laterally, to prevent tilting or tipping when exposed to erosion, wind, or wave action.

Abstract: A barrier dissipates energy from wakes from high speed vessels. Pilings embedded in the seabed slidably extend through openings in a flotation section below the surface of the water and through apertures in a gate section above the surface of the water. Struts on the flotation section extend through the surface of the water to hold the gate section a predetermined height above the surface. An inclined ramp extends from the flotation section below the surface and progressively reduces the depth of the water above the ramp portion as the distance to the flotation section becomes less. The progressively reduced depth builds-up the incoming wake, and the gate section cuts off the crest of the built-up wake to dissipate energy. Systems of barriers may be located in various patterns of spaced apart arrangements along waterways to intercept and reduce the effects of wakes produced by numerous high speed vessels.

Abstract: An erosion retardation structure to reduce erosion of an underlying granular base at a coastal property, the structure including a plurality of generally rigid material panels, each having a first end, second end, first face and second face, and structured to be coupled to an adjacently disposed panes at generally their corresponding first and second ends so as to define a wall section wherein a first face of a first panel and a second face of a second panel are positioned relative to one another so as to define a front face of the wall section.

Abstract: A sea wall able to diffuse sheets of wind borne water being blown over the sea wall by a strong wind. The sea wall has a vertically extending barrier, preferably topped by a cap, and wind diverting member mounted above the uppermost surface of the barrier, or cap, if the cap is provided and is disposed above the barrier. The wind diverting member has curved internal air passages gathering air from the water side of the sea wall and discharging air upwardly. The air passages optionally accelerate gathered air by causing the air outlets to be of smaller cross sectional area than that of the air inlets. The sea wall includes drains for disposing of water gathering on the sea wall and the wind diverting member.

Abstract: A sub-tidal platform adapted to be placed under water in front of a beach comprises a support structure having at least two upwardly extending, spaced-apart side walls extending along vertical planes. Each side wall has a bottom adapted to rest on a generally horizontal surface, and a sloping, upwardly extending edge which is at an acute angle with respect to the bottom. A plurality of interconnecting members extend between the side walls for maintaining them in an upright position. The interconnecting members are positioned adjacent to the sloping edge of the side walls. A plurality of gates are pivotally connected to the interconnecting members of the support structure for controlling fluid flow through the space between the side walls. The gates open in response to incoming fluid flow through the gates, and close in response to outgoing fluid flow in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A sea wall able to diffuse sheets of wind borne water being blown over the sea wall by a strong wind. The sea wall has a vertically extending barrier, preferably topped by a cap, and wind diverting member mounted above the uppermost surface of the barrier, or cap, if the cap is provided and is disposed above the barrier. The wind diverting member has curved internal air passages gathering air from the water side of the sea wall and discharging air upwardly. The air passages optionally accelerate gathered air by causing the air outlets to be of smaller cross sectional area than that of the air inlets. The sea wall includes drains for disposing of water gathering on the sea wall and the wind diverting member.

Abstract: A novel concrete block having six generally planar faces to provide a retaining wall for retaining a bank of earth. The retaining wall includes a lower tier of a plurality of separate abutting bottom blocks; an intermediate tier of a plurality of separate abutting intermediate blocks; and at least one upper tier of a plurality of separate abutting blocks. Each concrete block of each tier has six generally-planar faces, consisting of two planar end faces, a front planar face and a rear planar face, the front planar face and the rear planar face having a plurality of drainage ducts extending therebetween, an upper planar face and a lower planar face. Each upper planar face differs from the lower planar face of each block by a particular recited structure. As well, particularly defined locking interrelationships are provided between the individual blocks of the tiers of blocks.

Abstract: This patent consists of an INTEGRATED, MULTIPHASE, ENERGY-DISSIPATING ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEM, applicable in forming sheltered port and coastal areas. Its channels and basins act as an integrated, hydrodynamic, energy-dissipating unit as their boundaries are formed by linear, low crown level structuring elements, preferably nonreflecting, overflowable, preferably formed by overflowable rubblemound breakwaters and/or permeable quays, if necessary with these elements discontinuous, dissipating short period gravity waves, their reflection and possible resonances and allowing overflow waters and coastal currents to circulate.Because of its low crown level and the specificities characterizing its structuring elements, this System preserves sea views and allows surface air to freely circulate and basin water to be renewed., with consequent functional, environmental and scenic advantages. (FIG. 3).

Abstract: A shoreline erosion control structure comprises a longitudinally extending upright wall portion (10) for installation across the path of oncoming sea waves (44) and a floor portion (12) extending laterally from the seaward side of said wall and slanting downwardly so as to cause oncoming waves to travel up the length of said floor facing and said wall. Preferably, the structure is made up of a plurality of contiguous units. The invention also includes a method of preventing soil erosion using the structure. The structure is provided with grounding means (22) which extends downwardly from the base of said wall portion (10) below the floor portion and which can be driven into the ground to keep the structure in the upright position.

Abstract: A plurality of individual modules including individual support platforms for cylindrical hollow core risers are installed in side-by-side interlocked relationship to construct a semi-permeable barrier that is oriented in load distributing relationship approximately parallel to the shoreline. This semi-permeable barrier forms a hollow core and high profile breakwater that is intended to dissipate the energy of incoming waves before they reach the shoreline. Gaps between modules, and between high profile sections of the breakwater allow free flow of water between the landward and seaward sides of the barrier to prevent elevated water levels behind the barrier. An upper riser section of each module is partially submerged at high tide and emerged at low tide. The seaward facing lower section of the module has an inclined ramp that absorbs reflected wave energy and inhibits toe scour. Precast wafers of concrete can be added or removed from the modules as required for ballast.

Abstract: A retaining wall is formed from a plurality of segmented automobile tires. The sidewall segments are disposed horizontally to form a row with the ends of adjacent segments overlapping. Openings near the respective ends are aligned to cooperate with one another. A plurality of rows are formed and the openings are vertically aligned to form a height of the wall. Rods are disposed through the aligned openings to interconnect the rows. Tread segments of the tires are connected to the sidewall segments with the tread segments extending outwardly. The tread segments form support sections and may be connected to pilings to provide additional support for the wall.

Abstract: A plastic sheath for wood bulkheads and the like which includes an elongated plastic sleeve configured and dimensioned to cover at least three sides of a generally rectangular wood board and at least the marginal edge of the remaining side thereof. The sleeve has a front panel covering a front side of the wood board, two side panels each joined to the front panel for covering opposite side edges of the wood board and at least two rear flaps each joined to an opposite one of the opposite side panels for covering at least the marginal edge of a rear side of the wood board. One of the side panels has a generally centrally disposed tongue and the other of the side panels has a generally centrally disposed groove for joining a multiplicity of so-sheathed boards together in a tongue-and-groove manner.

Abstract: A breakwater that is formed from a plurality of modules, with each module including a base suitable for supporting the module on the seabed, a gently sloping seaward face extending above the base from one end, and a sloping beachward face extending above the base from the opposite end. The tops of the seaward and backward face meet to form a top section and at the top portion of the beachward face at the top section there is a transversely disposed concave cutout that extends across the beachward face. The cutout causes backwash water to swirl in it which removes a significant amount of the nourishment sand that is in backwash water. The cutout has two spaced apart vertically extending concave channels that connect to respective openings in the top of the module.

Abstract: Revetments are constructed using a plurality of revetment units which are arranged on river bed or the like. Each revetment unit comprises a stem and a disc-like head. The stem is stepped so that it has a relatively short larger diameter part and a relatively long smaller diameter part. The heads of units in each upper course lie behind the heads of the units in the course below and rest on the larger diameter parts. The heads and stems are preferably circular in cross-section but can be multi-facetted.